Thursday, December 25, 2008

Dearest God,

My three children and their children flocked in, faces aglow with Christmas. Well, maybe not Jill who spent the night vomiting. Feeling a little squeamish yet, even she carried inside her the glow of Christmas.

I read the story of the three wise men who sought the baby king. My grandchildren sat at my feet listening to the story. "Who did the wise men want to find?" I asked. "Baby Jesus!" One cried out. I shared the wonderful gift it is to give a gift to God, to you. Then I invited all my family to share one thing they would give the world if they had the opportunity to do so. Peace, hope, food, education, family, and love. We offered. I realized once again the great value of my children and their children. How joyous I was to have them all together with me.

And then we went about opening our gifts, one at a time, clapping after each one. How fun to watch the joy expressed when each person revealed the present a loved one had given them, especially the grandkids. I loved it.

Before long the Rock Band was hooked up to the Wii and the musicians stood in front of the television singing, playing the guitar and drums loud. And because we are a funny kind of family, each one had a ribbon wrapped around his or her head, red or silver. It was fun watching them as I sat holding our own baby boy.

After filling our bellies with a delicious dinner and handfuls of goodies, opening our gifts, playing with the Wii, laughing and praying, my family all left and the house was silent except for Harold and his television. I crawled into bed well worn from Christmas planning, preparing a huge meal, orchestrating two Christmas Eve services, wrapping gifts, making cookies and candies, cleaning and living through the emotions of the season.

Joy entered
my heart
and peace
my soul
as I lay
in my bed
giving thanks.
What a
wondrous season
it has been
Advent
and
Christmas,
waiting
and awaiting
the birth
of the Savior again
in my own heart
renewing my faith
for another year.
And while
all my sorrows
and sadnesses
have not yet healed,
I renewed
my own commitment
to your Son
as the source
of my strength
and love.

In gratitude, Andrea